Gazprom and ChelPipe to introduce new-generation pipes

The Chairman of the Gazprom’s Management Committee, Alexey Miller, has recently signed a roadmap to set up the production of new-generation pipes with Andrey Komarov, Member of the Board of Directors of Chelyabinsk Pipe Rolling Plant (ChelPipe). The signing occurred at the 6th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum.

According to the contract, ChelPipe will develop technologies to meet Gazprom’s need to produce longitudinally welded large diameter pipes from both conventional and high-strength steel, along with pipeline fittings using laser welding.

At present, pipes exceeding 530 mm in diameter are produced using electric arc welding. However, it is expected that laser welding will improve the structural strength and load-bearing capacity of pipes, while also enhancing the quality and corrosion resistance of welded seams.

Such pipes will increase the service life and reliability of gas pipelines, which is particularly essential for those installed in harsh environmental and climatic conditions, such as on the Arctic shelf or in areas of high seismic activity.

According to the roadmap, the first batches of new-generation pipes are up to 1420 mm dia. and are made of steel. It is estimated that Gazprom will need up to 150 000 t of such pipes per year.

Miller commented: “Gazprom ensures reliable operation of the world’s longest gas transmission system and builds cutting-edge gas pipelines. The new-generation pipes will take this work to a cardinally new technological level. I am confident that due to the joint efforts of professionals from Gazprom and ChelPipe the planned targets will be achieved.”
“The unique laser welding technology ensures high efficiency and, most importantly, environmental sustainability of production that fully complies with the White Metallurgy principles. The optical fiber laser applied in that technology was developed in Russia. Its use in manufacturing large-diameter pipes at Vysota 239, the modern production facility of ChelPipe, means supporting the innovation potential of the domestic machine-building industry,” said Andrey Komarov.